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Mason Rd named most dangerous

TrackSAFE Foundation compiled the data from interviews with drivers, who said the number of people putting themselves at risk by driving in front of trains led them to experience anxiety whenever they approached level crossings.

There are about 70 collisions annually at level crossings where road users fail to obey the rules and 35 deaths every year resulting from level crossing and trespass incidents.

The Mason Road freight train line crossing, near the Kwinana Industrial Area, has no boom gate, so drivers can play Russian roulette and drive straight through.

TrackSAFE board member and National Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Bob Nanva said the best way to avoiding collisions was to get rid of level crossings and instead implement bridges or underpasses.

‘Most train drivers will witness a fatality, incident or near collision on the network in the course of their careers, too many will never be able to return to work,’ he said.

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Main Roads was ‘not aware of any particular safety issues with regard to the operation of the Mason Road level crossing’.

The crossing is currently protected with flashing lights.

‘However, this location has been listed for consideration for inclusion in the 2014-2016 Level Crossings Upgrade Program,’ the spokesperson said.

Main Roads said there had been no crashes reported at that crossing in the last five years.